Becoming Balochistan chief justice was 'life-changing experience', CJP Isa says at farewell reference
Top court judges, senior lawyers praise outgoing top judge's services at full-court reference held to honour outgoing CJP
October 25, 2024
As Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa retires today (Friday), a full court reference was held to honour the outgoing top judge at the Supreme Court.
CJP Isa's wife Sarina Isa and other family members attended the farewell session.
Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, senior lawyer Farooq H Naek and Justice Yahya Afridi, who is set to replace CJP Isa after he relinquishes the charge, praised the outgoing justice in their opening remarks.
While addressing the session, CJP Isa said that his life changed overnight after assuming Balochistan chief justice post.
“I took the job at a time when there was no judge in Balochistan,” the chief justice said.
In his address on the occasion, the chief justice-designate, Justice Afridi lavished praise on his to-be predecessor, saying that he found CJP Isa to be "one of the best human beings" and got to learn a lot from him.
“Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa will be missed in the Supreme Court. We have a rush of feelings while saying goodbye to the chief justice,” said Justice Afridi.
He said CJP Isa was a kind-hearted person, adding that he disagreed with CJP Isa multiple times during his career but the latter always listened to his stance "with an open heart".
"Speak with a smile, and you will become familiar with CJP Isa's courteous responses, or provoke CJP Isa and you won't be able to match his anger," Justice Afridi said.
"Only God can help you when CJP Isa is angry. I also faced his ire several times and it surely wasn't a pleasant experience", he said in a light-hearted manner, prompting CJP Isa to respond with a laughter.
The upcoming top judge also paid tribute to the chief justice’s family a tribute.
He said it was necessary for the nation to ensure the devolution of powers and supremacy of law. He also drew attention towards the district judiciary in remote areas, saying that the first priority as would be the district judiciary of the far-flung areas.
This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.
